‘I would hate to experience the feeling of losing control’

Erona, 19, from E London, has sworn off alcohol and has no intention of ever having a drink. She thinks the drop in young people drinking could be because they’re more cautious of its negative consequences.

She says, “I first tried alcohol when I was 15 at a family wedding. I had a sip of wine and hated the sour taste, which put me off trying any more. Growing up, alcohol was hardly ever in the house and, although my dad would have the odd glass of wine, my mum doesn’t drink because she doesn’t enjoy the taste, either.

NO PRESSURE

“I went to a very multi-cultural state school and had a wide friendship circle with people from different backgrounds and religions – some drank, some didn’t. It was no big deal, and I never felt any peer pressure to drink if I went to a party.

“Now, I’m in my first year at university studying Architecture and I still don’t feel that pressure. People are often surprised when I tell them I don’t drink, but I’ve never had anyone harass me or make me feel bad for turning down a drink. In fact, it seems to impress a lot of people. Sometimes they say things like, ‘Oh, you must really have your life together,’ which makes me laugh because I have ups and downs like anyone else.

“I might not get hangovers, but I still have days when I struggle to get out of bed. I’ve never spent a penny on alcohol, so I have money to spend on clothes, holidays and meals out. I also enjoy going to the gym, which I might not do as often if I was having big nights out.

“I go clubbing with my friends and people often assume I’m tipsy because I’m having such a good time, smiling and chatting away. But it’s just me being me, getting a natural buzz from the atmosphere and other peoples’ vibes. I’ve never felt the need for alcohol to increase my confidence.

MORE CAUTIOUS

“It’s my personal choice. I don’t have a problem with other people drinking at all. I understand that alcohol is their release, but I’d hate that feeling of losing control, which could lead to a dangerous situation or waking up the next morning, full of anxiety about what you might have said or done.

“While most of my friends do drink, it’s rarely to excess. Although it’s partly to do with the cost, I think it’s also that young people – especially women – are more cautious for their safety nowadays and don’t want to make a fool of themselves in case it ends up on social media. Unfortunately, there are loads of websites out there dedicated to shaming other people, whether that’s filming them falling over in the street or being sick in a club. When I socialise with friends, we tend to meet for dinner or go shopping rather than focusing our fun around alcohol.

“I know that I’m still very young, but I don’t think I’ll ever take up drinking. I just don’t see the point.”

❛I’VE NEVER FELT THE NEED FOR ALCOHOL TO INCREASE MY CONFIDENCE❜